FNCCI for unity among trade unions

KATHMANDU, March 27: The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) has urged leaders of major political parties, including the UCPN (Maoist), to maintain unity among their trade unions to ensure smooth industrial operations.



The Maoist-affiliated trade union factions led by Badri Bajgain (close to Maoist Senior Vice-chairman Mohan Baidhya) and Lal Dhowj Nemwang (close to another Vice-chairman Dr Baburam Bhattarai) have been supporting the indefinite shutdown of 500 industries called by Madhesi trade unions in the Sunsari-Morang Industrial Corridor from Friday. [break]



The FNCCI, Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), Shalikram Jammakattel-led All Nepal Trade Union Federation (ANTUF), CPN-UML affiliated General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GFONT) and Nepali Congress affiliated Nepal Trade Union Congress (NTUC) on Thursday had signed 11-point deal, that includes declaration of industrial peace for next four years and other commitments from employers and trade unions.



“We can´t hold talks with every splinter faction of trade unions as we have already signed a deal with the trade unions which represent majority of workers,” said Pradeep Jung Pandey, vice-president of FNCCI. “We will hold talks with the central leaders of the political parties who are supposed to resolve internal conflict in their labor unions.” He said implementation of deal would be difficult without cooperation from political parties.



Talking to Republica on Saturday, Bajgain said the agreement to deduct salary of workers who participate in trade union agitations and nominal hike in basic salary was objectionable.



“The agreement has introduced “no work no pay” system preventing workers from staging protests genuine causes for four years,” said Bajgain. He also warned that protests would be announced at the central level if the employers fail to pay heed to the demands of local workers to hike remuneration.



Industries shut for second day



More than 500 industries remained closed on the second consecutive day on Saturday due to the indefinite strike called by trade unions close to Madhesi parties.



The parties have challenged the recent pact between big three trade unions and employers´ associations. Splinter factions of Maoist trade union led by Badri Bajgain and Lal Dhowj Nemwang have been supporting the protests.



Negotiations between employers and agitating trade unions to resolve the problem ended inconclusively on Friday night and Saturday.



Morang Trade Association stated that industries have been suffering a daily loss of around Rs 200 million due to the strikes. Bipin Karna, a trade union leader, said they would not withdraw their strikes until their salaries are doubled.

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